How can you tell if your implant has moved? A comprehensive guide

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, implants are not lifetime devices and will eventually need removal or replacement. Understanding the signs of movement is critical, so how can you tell if your implant has moved? This guide covers the symptoms across various implant types, from dental to breast.

Quick Summary

Signs of implant movement often include new or worsening pain, visible changes in shape or symmetry, unusual sensations like popping or clicking, and a noticeable shift in the device's position. Symptoms differ depending on the type of implant involved, requiring careful observation.

Key Points

Visual Signs: Look for new asymmetry, changes in shape, or visible rippling, especially after the initial healing period.
Pain or Discomfort: Pay attention to persistent or worsening pain, soreness, or pressure that wasn't there before.
Unusual Sensations: Popping, clicking, grinding, or a heavy, dragging feeling can indicate that an orthopedic or breast implant has shifted.
Physical Changes: A new lump, hardening, or firmness around the implant site could be caused by excessive scar tissue (capsular contracture) or displacement.
Implant Mobility: Any abnormal looseness, wobbling, or excessive movement of the implant, whether dental or breast, is a clear sign of a problem.
Seek Professional Help: If you suspect displacement, contact your surgeon immediately. Never attempt to self-diagnose or reposition the implant yourself.

Understanding Implant Displacement

Implant displacement, also known as implant migration, is the shifting of a medical or cosmetic implant from its intended position. While some minor settling is normal during the initial healing period after surgery, a significant shift can indicate a more serious issue. Recognizing the signs early is crucial for proper medical care and preventing further complications. The symptoms you experience will depend heavily on the type of implant and its location in the body.

How to Tell if a Breast Implant Has Moved

For those with breast implants, displacement can manifest in several distinct ways. Visual and physical changes are the most common indicators that something is not right. It's important to be aware of what is normal during the healing process versus what signals a potential problem.

Common Signs of Breast Implant Movement

Asymmetry: The most obvious sign is a new or increasing difference in the size, shape, or position of the breasts. If they were symmetrical post-surgery but are now uneven, it could suggest a problem.
Changes in Nipple Position: A displaced implant can cause the nipple to point in an unusual direction, either higher, lower, or to the side relative to the breast mound.
Visible Rippling or Wrinkling: For people with thin tissue, particularly with saline implants, rippling or folds may become more noticeable on the skin's surface if the implant has shifted.
Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue around the implant tightens excessively. It can cause the implant to feel unusually hard or firm, sometimes misshapen, and may be a cause of displacement.
Excessive Movement: While some minor movement is normal during the initial "dropping and fluffing" phase, a breast implant that moves dramatically, especially when lying down or raising your arms, can indicate a problem.
"Bottoming Out": This is when the implant drops below the natural breast fold, creating a stretched appearance and causing the nipple to appear too high on the breast mound.

Signs of a Moved Dental Implant

Dental implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Any movement after this initial healing period is a sign of a potential failure. The symptoms here are often localized to the mouth.

Indicators of Dental Implant Problems

A Loose or Wobbling Implant: An integrated dental implant should not move. If you notice any looseness in the crown or the implant post itself, it is a clear sign of failure.
Persistent Pain or Discomfort: While some post-surgical pain is expected, persistent or throbbing pain, especially when chewing, can signal a problem with the implant or surrounding tissue.
Swelling and Gum Recession: Swollen, red, or tender gums around the implant site can indicate an infection (peri-implantitis) that may lead to implant failure and displacement.
Infection: Signs of infection, such as pus, persistent bad breath, or fever, require immediate dental attention.

Symptoms of a Displaced Orthopedic Implant

Orthopedic implants, such as those used in hip, knee, or forearm replacements, are meant to provide stability and support. Displacement can occur due to trauma, poor healing, or wear and tear over time.

Signs of Orthopedic Implant Movement

Pain and Instability: A new or worsening pain in the joint, or a sensation that the joint is unstable, can indicate the implant is loose or has shifted.
Popping or Clicking: Unusual noises from the joint, such as popping or clicking sounds, can signal implant loosening or other mechanical issues.
Deformity: A visible change in the alignment or length of the limb, such as one leg appearing shorter than the other after a hip replacement, is a major sign of displacement.
Difficulty Bearing Weight: If it becomes difficult or painful to put weight on the affected limb, it may mean the implant is no longer providing proper support.

What to Do if You Suspect Implant Displacement

Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any changes in sensation, appearance, or comfort. Note when the symptoms started and if they worsen with specific activities.
Contact Your Surgeon: Immediately contact the surgeon who performed the procedure. Describe your symptoms clearly and request an evaluation. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Follow Medical Advice: Your doctor may recommend a physical exam and imaging tests, such as an MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound, to confirm the implant's position. Follow their instructions and avoid self-diagnosing or attempting to manipulate the implant.

Comparison: Normal Settling vs. Displacement

To help you distinguish between normal post-surgical changes and potential displacement, consult this comparison table.


Symptom	Normal Settling (Early Post-Op)	Potential Displacement (Later Stage)
Sensation	Mild, general soreness, or tightness.	Persistent, worsening pain; sharp pain; instability; popping or clicking.
Appearance	Breasts or surgical area gradually softening and achieving final shape.	Visible asymmetry, malposition, or deformity; rippling or wrinkling.
Movement	Minor "dropping and fluffing" over months as tissue relaxes.	Excessive, sudden, or dramatic movement of the implant.
Firmness	Gradual decrease in firmness as swelling subsides.	New or increasing firmness, lumpiness, or hardening due to capsular contracture.

The Importance of Professional Evaluation

While self-checks and personal observation are important, only a medical professional can accurately diagnose implant displacement. Imaging tests provide a clear, detailed view of the implant and surrounding tissues. An MRI is often the best method for detecting silent ruptures in silicone implants, while X-rays are useful for orthopedic hardware.

Leaving a displaced implant untreated can lead to worsening pain, continued discomfort, cosmetic dissatisfaction, or more severe health complications. Your surgeon will determine the best course of action, which could range from continued monitoring to a revision surgery to reposition or replace the implant. It is important to remember that communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring your long-term health and satisfaction with your implant.

For more information on the risks and complications associated with various types of implants, you can visit the FDA's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Normal settling, or "dropping and fluffing" for breast implants, is a gradual process that occurs in the first few months after surgery as tissues relax. Displacement is a more significant or sudden movement of the implant that happens outside of this normal healing period.

Yes, an implant can move long after the initial surgery. Factors like trauma, capsular contracture, significant weight changes, or simply the effects of aging and gravity can cause a displacement years after the procedure.

Doctors will typically perform a physical examination and often use imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. This may include an X-ray for orthopedic hardware, an ultrasound, or an MRI, which is particularly effective for detecting issues with silicone breast implants.

A displaced implant is not always a medical emergency, but it does require professional evaluation. Depending on the type and severity, it can cause discomfort, cosmetic issues, and potentially lead to complications like infection or rupture if left untreated.

Capsular contracture is when the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around an implant tightens and hardens excessively. This tightening can squeeze or distort the implant, forcing it out of its correct position and creating a misshapen appearance.

No, not all displaced implants will cause pain. Some shifts, especially silent ruptures in silicone breast implants, may have subtle symptoms or no pain at all. This is why regular self-checks and professional evaluations are crucial.

Yes, a dental implant should be completely stable once osseointegration is complete. If the implant or crown feels loose or wobbles, it indicates that the fusion with the jawbone has failed, and you should see a dentist immediately.